Learning 10 Life Lessons from Albert Einstein

The power of mentors and influential figures can’t be understated. And while we all likely have someone (or several someones) to whom we look up, we’re also lucky to collectively learn from people who not only blazed a trail doing what they love, but changed the world while doing it, too.

Albert Einstein is one such figure. You probably know him best for his contributions to science, including the famous E=mc2 equation that details mass and energy equivalence. Or maybe you’ve celebrated him because of his wild white hair. Beyond that, we don’t tap often enough into the words of wisdom Einstein shared with the world. From the simply stated to the profoundly put, there’s a lot we can take away from Einstein’s words—10 life lessons, in fact.

Follow Your Curiosity: Is there an area of life or work that you’ve always been interested in? Go to the library or the bookstore and pick up a book about that subject and start learning. You never know where it will lead!

Perseverance is Priceless: This, particularly in today’s age of immediate gratification, is especially difficult. However, it is absolutely true! Where would we be if Apple had given up on the prototype for the iPhone? What if Alexander Fleming had given up studying bacteriology and hadn’t discovered penicillin?

Focus on the Present: Another tough one! Past mistakes and failures are constantly creeping into our memories, reminding us of what we can’tdo or didn’tdo. Alternately, if we focus too much on what we could be doing in the future, we lose sight of what’s important now. If we stop and focus solely on what we’re doing, we tend to get more accomplished, and eventually discover that those past experiences are bringing us to a better place today.

The Imagination is Powerful: Remember when you were younger and everything was real? You were a superhero! You were a dragon slayer! You were a veterinarian! A chef! A film director! Remember those days, and embrace them. You can still be anything, if you put your mind to it.

Make Mistakes: We’re all going to make mistakes. It’s inevitable. Make them. Learn from them. Move on. And most importantly? Don’t dwell!

Create Value: You have to prove yourself in almost every aspect of life. Have confidence in your abilities, and show how you are valuable in any situation. Be a good friend. Be a hard worker. Be the best that you can be, and show everyone, even your adversaries, that you are a person of value.

Don’t Expect Different Results: Stuck in a rut? Shake things up! You can’t expect things to change if you let yourself become lodged in a routine.

Knowledge Comes From Experience: This sums up a lot of the aforementioned life lessons. You will stumble and fail. You will have success and achievements. Learn from all of them. And know that everything that happens—good or bad—helps to shape not just your career or interests, but who you are.

Live in the Moment: It’s easy to dwell on the past or be anxious about the future. Instead, try focusing on the present and savoring all that’s good in your life. After all, tomorrow will be here before you know it!

Learn the Rules and Then Play Better: This? Probably the most important rule of them all. And one that doesn’t need much more elaboration.

What do you think of Einstein’s life lessons? Who else do you look up to, admire and learn from?

Whew! Good stuff in there. Hard stuff, which is probably why I feel sleepy now. (It’s hard being so naturally lazy.)

I keep struggling with the tension between wanting to “put my mind to it,” and tackle some crazy dreams, and the suspicion that some career paths simply demand more of me and my family than we can give. (Hollywood seems to hate families and want to eat them. Bummer.)

Brenda Chapman

I know what you mean!

Kenny Barillas

Well, they are very good lessons, vital. Something I always learned from my grandfather: “If those do, you can too, are human and we can all do the same”. He is not scientific, but really, he knows how to motivate, and if I apply these lessons, and what my grandfather said, I’m going to make it!. I love the lesson of curiosity, really, you have to be curious, and go with the imagination, “Imagination is powerful.” Thank you so much for posting this so important. Thanks for motivating me more!

Brenda Chapman

Your grandfather sound pretty great.

Kenny Barillas

Ha!, Thanks, but as they say, older people are very wise, and I believe that.

http://profiles.google.com/sianyrobinson Sian Robinson

I think I might put these up on the wall! That dude knew what he was talking about! Who else do I look up hmm? Why YOU OF COURSE!!! but you knew that already Who else? Oprah Winfrey, John Lassiter, Robert Henri, Walt Stanchfeild, Chris Gardner (that movie the persuit of happiness makes me cry like a baby everytime!), Matthieu Ricard (you know that buddist monk with a PHD, that guy knows what he’s talking about), Paulina Simons (Her writing slays me. I read them over and over and I miss the characters long after finishing the books) and a few friends in real life. Whats that quote? ‘To thine own self be true’. The people who I look up to are those people who maybe overcome the odds or people who follow their inner passion rather than being like everybody else. I struggle with being true to myself rather than what everybody else thinks I should be but thanks to lots of inspiring people *winks in your direction* I’m getting there x

Brenda Chapman

We all struggle with that one, my dear! And thank you for your sweet words, once again.
xo